B positive, give blood: donor

The heart shaped tattoo on Paul Cannon’s arm is a permanent reminder of the importance of donating blood.

The Bridgetown man gives blood regularly at the Bunbury Blood Donor Centre, to help people like his three-year old grandson, who needs blood transfusions.

Mr Cannon said it was imperative to maintain blood stocks.

“Patrick (grandson) was born with congenital heart disease and he’s had major re-plumbing on his heart — during which he received blood and it’s likely he will need future heart operations,” he said.

“Everyone should donate – it costs nothing, you get a coffee at the end and it’s the nicest place.”

Bunbury needs more than 330 donors to give blood this Christmas and New Year to secure blood stocks over the festive season.

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is running a Blood Blitz to boost donations between December 23 and January 3 — the time when donations hit a critical low.

Red Cross spokeswoman Jessica Willet said she was concerned there could be a major drop-off in platelets, the shortest-lived blood product which was critical in the treatment of cancer patients.

“This means anything collected on the Friday before Christmas, will either expire or be depleted by Boxing Day,” she said.

“With three public holidays and a weekend, it is vital that donors make an appointment to give blood at the Bunbury Donor Centre before Christmas Eve and the days immediately after Boxing Day to help replenish platelet stocks.

“Every donation helps to save as many as three lives and Christmas is the perfect time to give back to the community.”

Mr Cannon said giving blood was extremely rewarding.

“My tattoos have got a couple of meanings – my blood type is B positive, so I’ve used that as a motto for my life,” he said.

“The heart shape is of course for Patrick — it just reminds me of everything going. One day Patrick will know what we do for him and in return what he does for us.”

To donate blood, call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au.